The question of whether it was a good one remains to be seen after the Cowboys traded back in the first round to pick up an extra pick in the third round before taking Wisconsin center/guard Travis Frederick with the 31st overall selection.

The 6-foot-4, 312-pound Frederick was ranked by some as the top center in the draft but projected to go in the second round and as late as the third before admittedly being surprised by the Cowboys.

“I was sitting watching the draft with my family and a few close friends.… I didn’t expect it,” Frederick said. “When the phone rang I was very excited.

“I was little surprised. I thought I was going to fit in the second round. But Dallas showed a lot of interest. I definitely know they needed help inside. I think I’m going to fit in pretty well down there.”

Frederick certainly fills a need position for the Cowboys, who wanted to upgrade the interior offensive line and have the undersized Phil Costa returning as the starting center.

Costa started just three games last season because of back and ankle injuries. Veteran Ryan Cook, acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins before the start of the season, was forced to start 11 games.

Frederick will also get a look at guard, where he started as a junior at Wisconsin. The Cowboys are also looking to upgrade from Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau at guard.

“He has position flex,” coach Jason Garrett said. “He is a smart good football player. He was the highest-rated player on our board at a position of need. We spent a lot of time on him. We felt we knew him well. We feel good about him helping us.”